1. Chapter 6 Planning the Group
Slides developed by Ronald W. Toseland
State University of New York at Albany

2. Planning Model Establishing the group’s purpose
Assessing the potential sponsorship and membership
Recruiting members
Composing the group
Orienting members to the group
Contracting
Preparing the group’s environment
Securing financial arrangements
Preparing a written group proposal

3. Establishing the Group’s Purpose
Group worker generated
Agency or staff generated
Member generated
Community generated

4. Assessing Potential Sponsorship
The mission, goals, objectives and resources of the agency
Fit between agency policies and goals of the proposed group
Support within the agency
Nature of unmet and ongoing needs
Costs and benefits
Level of community need, interest, and support

5. Gathering Support for a New Group
Does it fit the mission and goals of the agency?
Would resolution of problem facing the group be valued by the agency and the community?
Does the administration of the agency support the proposed group?
Is the need being met elsewhere?

6. Gathering Support for a New Group
Would co-sponsorship with another agency be possible?
Resolve differences in perspectives and identify hidden agendas
Obtain consensus from staff about goals and methods to achieve them
Assess the willingness of the agency to provide resources such as transportation, child care or needed supplies

7. Assessing the Potential Membership
The nature of the problem or need facing the group
Potential members’ recognition and shared perceptions about the purpose of the group
Cultural and other differences that could influence perceptions of the group
Perceptions of the sponsoring organization

8. Assessing the Potential Membership
Effects of ambivalence, resistance, or involuntary nature of the group
Specialized knowledge needed to work with members
Demographic differences and commonalities of potential members

9. Assessing the Potential Membership
Benefits to potential members participating
Barriers, obstacles, and drawbacks to member participation
Resources needed from the organization and community
Ensure members’ interest and participation

10. Methods For Recruiting Members
Directly through interviews and telephone contacts
Contacting key people and community leaders in the network of potential members
Announcements through the mail
Posting announcements in community organizations and other sites

11. Methods For Recruiting Members
Using websites to advertise the group
Speaking at public meetings
Appearing on radio and television shows
Issuing press releases, publishing announcements in organizational newsletters
Working with reporters to prepare feature newspaper stories

12. Composing the Group
A homogeneity of members’ purpose and personality characteristics
A heterogeneity of members coping skills, life experiences and expertise
An overall structure that includes a range of the members’ qualities, skills and expertise

13. Other Composition Issues
Group structure
Diversity and demographic characteristics
Size
Open and closed membership
Close ended and open ended

14. Orienting Members Explaining the purpose of the group
Familiarizing members with group procedures
Screening members for appropriateness
Contracting for group procedures and member goals

15. Preparing the Environment
Physical setting – room size, furnishings, technology, atmosphere (lighting, etc.)
Making special arrangements
Securing financial support

16. Preparing a Group Proposal
Abstract
Purpose
Agency sponsorship
Membership
Recruitment
Composition
Orientation
Setting and environment